Our “in-house” religious education program, for 1st grade through 6th grade public school students, is called Family Faith Formation (FFF). Classes are held on the first Wednesday (usually) of the month from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. We begin in the first week of October and we conclude in the first week of May.

Holy Eucharist (First Communion) is a minimum two-year program. He or she must memorize their basic prayers. Most important of all, the child must be at Sunday Mass each week; otherwise, he or she will have no idea WHO it is they are receiving. Someone - the parent, or grandparent, or godparent - must show this child what a genuine, living Catholic life is, and bring the child to worship and thank Jesus Christ at Mass.. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received prior to First Communion.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is usually received in junior high, spring or fall, at our Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria. Preparation involves 6-8 classes and a retreat. Having received Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, a Catholic completes his initiation as a Catholic…but not his life as a Catholic. It is like a marriage: the wedding does not complete a marriage, but only inaugurates it.

Please contact Joanne Bibb at the staff page to register your child for religious education classes.

Baptized adult (16 or older) Catholics who have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation should contact the pastor, Father Loftus.

“Parents are the first to pass on the faith to their children and to educate them in it.” (Decree on the Laity, Second Vatican Council)